Most probably the PDF file is of graphical type. If they need a PDF to be converted to Word, there are dozens of good converters (like Finereader), for example, so there is no need to waste your time on re-typing the document. But this is a guess only.

The best way is to ask the client to clarify the task - don't be afraid to ask as you need to know what exactly they need.

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I have been told that I will receive a PDF file with which I will need to make a transcription in word (format paragraphs, fonts, symbols) without using any kind of software or converter.

If this is to be taken literally, the client wants to make sure that you are able to do that in a competent way. Otherwise there is no need to force you not to use a converter.

There are translators who are not able to do that. E. g. they don't know how style sheets work, they use the space bar for indentations, the don't know the difference between paragraph and line breaks and so on. Such translators are unsuitable for certain tasks.

BUT: Did you understand the client correctly?

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